Rethink Your Drinks

 How much water should you drink in a day? 

Does fruit juices count as "water"?

Can I drink coffee?

Those are all frequently asked questions when it comes to the topic of fluid intake. Consumption of fluids does not necessarily equate to hydration. 

Daily water intake recommendations from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is 8 8-oz glasses of water each day. This equates to approximately 64 oz of water. 

While fruit juices and/or juice-based drinks do contain water, they also contain added sugars, chemicals, preservatives, etc. which cause more harm than good. Unless your juice is labeled as "100% fruit/vegetable juice", it is beneficial to your health to limit or avoid consumption. If there is a certain type of juice that you enjoy, try consuming the whole food version of it. For example, orange juice. You may find more nutritional benefits (antioxidants, fiber, etc.) from consuming the fruit in its natural form, compared to consuming a processed orange juice.

Coffee (caffeine) is considered a weak diuretic. Therefore, it can have a slight negative affect on your hydration status. If you are balancing your water intake with your caffeine consumption, then coffee can be beneficial to your health. Coffee actually contains a variety of nutritional properties that provide anti-cancer benefits. HOWEVER, this does not include the sugar-loaded coffee beverages of today's society. When making your coffee in the morning before work, re-think and re-consider what you put in it. You may be negating its health benefits with the items you add into your cup. 

Another healthy alternative to providing some caffeine within your day is tea. If your tea has caffeine, it may also be a weak diuretic. Therefore, ensure that you are balancing your tea consumption with water intake throughout the day. EGCG in green tea has shown a wide variety of anti-cancer properties and benefits. Up to 5 cups per day can be helpful in your oncology journey (check with your MD or RD if you are currently on active treatment, as this can interfere with some medications). Herbal teas, such as ginger tea, can help settle the stomach and assist in nausea management within your oncology journey as well. 

There are a WIDE range of beverages on the market. But when you start to read the labels on these items, it will open your eyes. Water is your best source of hydration. Strive for 48-64 oz of water each day to help you maintain adequate hydration. Your mind, skin, and body will thank you for staying hydrated. 😁

** Before significantly increasing your daily water intake, please discuss with your Registered Dietitian or medical team. Some health conditions, such as CHF, some stages of CKD, SIADH, etc. may require fluid restrictions). Therefore, increasing fluids significantly may lead to other health implications. 

Citation for Image: Water. (n.d.). Nutrition Education Store. photograph. Retrieved September 29, 2023, from https://nutritioneducationstore.com/products/drink-water-poster?gclid=CjwKCAjw69moBhBgEiwAUFCx2BqOfgDcyS4Jydb1VQmkDhfnsrmFk-K0HGixom9aiFVDXW5NG-pfkRoCcE0QAvD_BwE.